Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #10 “This and That!”

Welcome to our 10th Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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This blog posting will cover a few things that haven’t made it into any of our blogs yet!  We’ve had several visits into Progreso… this one was on Cruise Ship day!

At the Progreso Artisan Market...
At the Progreso Artisan Market…
... you could buy a Mayan mask...
… you could buy a Mayan mask…
... or Mango Margaritas on the beach at the Malecon!
… or Mango Margaritas on the beach at the Malecon…!

 

And then enjoy the beach when we get home!
… and then enjoy the beach!

Peggy and Boomer hosted their annual Super Bowl Party again this year!  A good time was had by all and the game was actually very interesting!

There was time for visiting...
There was time for visiting…
... having great food served up by Anna...
… having great food served up by Anna…
... and even time to watch the game... intently!
… and even time to watch the game… intently!

After all our trips, including walks, along the road that passes by our beach house, this was the first time I’d seen this…

The chapel of the old Hacienda Uaymitun!
The chapel of the old Hacienda Uaymitun!

One hot day during a visit to Chicxulub, I had a special local delicacy…

Elote Helado... Corn Ice Cream!
Elote Helado… Corn Ice Cream!

And during an excursion, us manly men enjoyed a great lunch at…

Comida China in Progreso
Comida China in Progreso

Major construction is occurring at the junction of the road from Merida to Progreso and the beach road between Yucalpeten and Telcac Puerto (our road).

An overpass from nowhere to nowhere!
An overpass from nowhere to nowhere!

We had a great trip into Merida to visit the new Maya Museum!

At the monument near the entrance to the museum.
At the monument near the entrance to the museum.
Getting ready to head in!
Getting ready to head in!

Merida has a new performance venue!

Ringo Starr and his band headline on March 8th!
Ringo Starr and his band headline on March 8th!

 

We had some very low tides that left the sandbars in front of the house exposed…

... allowing one of the valedors to scoop up a bunch of large clams!
… allowing one of the valedors to scoop up a bunch of large clams!

There’s a new place to have a light lunch or just a few drinks and it’s only a few minutes from our house! Margarita’s just opened this year and Elaine and I went with George and Val…

The road into Margaritas makes one wonder where it leads!
The road into Margaritas makes one wonder where it leads!
It has three bungalows for rent and a great view of the Gulf!
It has three bungalows for rent and …
... views of the Gulf!
… and great views of the Gulf!
A great snack of Cheese Empenadas!
A great snack of Cheese Empenadas and, of course, margaritas!

Panchita’s eldest son and wife, Carlos and Lis, came by with little Valeria for a visit!

Carlos, Valeria and Lis
Carlos, Valeria and Lis
What a sweet heart!
What a sweet heart!

Rod and Berri hosted our first Murder Mystery of the season called “The Last Call” which takes place in a bar!

Sean Wells and Joy Darby
Sean Wells and Joy Darby
Jack Henry & Mara Landers
Jack Henry & Mara Landers
Chloe Nelson & Alec Blaney
Chloe Nelson & Alec Blaney
Amber Welby & Dennis Chase
Amber Welby & Dennis Chase
Joy & Chloe
Joy & Chloe
Amber & Alec
Amber & Alec
Mara, Jack & Sean
Mara, Jack & Sean

The murderer was a surprise to us all… so much for our sleuthing skills!

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That’s all for today!

The next blog, will be about our day in Celestun!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #9 “Z.A. Uxmal!”

Welcome to our 9th Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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Shortly after breakfast, we packed up our overnight bags and made the walk down to the Zona Arqueológica de Uxmal.

Uxmal is the most representative of the architecture of the Puuc Region settlement as their facades are decorated with masks of Chac, the rain god, fretwork panels with hieroglyphics and high crests.

Among the most representative buildings are the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle and the Casa de las Palomas. Furthermore, due to its majesty, diversity and state of preservation of monuments, visitors can learn about the many aspects of the prehispanic culture from the Maya Late Classic period from 600-900 AD.

The path into the site with tantalizing glimpses of the pyramids.
The path into the site with tantalizing glimpses of the pyramids.
Pyramid of the Magician as you enter the site!
Pyramid of the Magician as you enter the site!
another view!
another view!
The ceremonial entrance to the Pyramid of the Magician!
The ceremonial entrance to the Pyramid of the Magician!
a closeup to the entrance to the main chamber
A closeup of the entrance to the main chamber.
Detail of images of...
Detail of images of…
...Chaac the Rain God!
…Chaac the Rain God!
A glimpse of the Ball Court.
A glimpse of the Ball Court.
Some images from the Nunnery Quadrangle.
Some images from the Nunnery Quadrangle.
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Major symbolic imagery adorn the Quadrangle.
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The snake…
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… and a Fleur-de-Lis!
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I counldn’t resist capturing this shot with the clouds and the Chaac noses!
Our Mayan guide, Jorge!
Our Mayan guide, Jorge!
The "throne" room, if you catch my drift!
The royal “throne” room, if you catch my drift!
At the Ball Court.
At the Ball Court.
An excavation of one of the many cisterns.
An excavation of one of the many cisterns.
The House of the Doves
The House of the Doves
... another view!
… another view!
Just one of the many unexcavated mounds!
Just one of the many unexcavated mounds!
Steps up to the Governor's Palace with the Magician's Temple in the background.
Steps up to the Governor’s Palace with the Magician’s Temple in the background.
Main entrance to the Governor's Palace.
Main entrance to the Governor’s Palace.
Some great pictures taken by...
Some great pictures taken by…
... our guide Jorge!
… our guide Jorge!
A remarkable view!
A remarkable view!
Pyramid of the Turtles
House of the Turtles.
Some more images
Some more images…
... of Chaac
… of Chaac at the Governor’s Palace.
No visit to Uxmal...
No visit to Uxmal…
... would be complete without...
… would be complete without…
... cameos by the stars!
… cameos by the Stars!
Glad to have been to Uxmal!
Glad to have been to Uxmal!
Had a great lunch across the road at The Lodge at Uxmal.
Had a great lunch across the road at The Lodge at Uxmal.
Meet the Band!
Meet the Band!
We had a great waiter!
We had a great waiter!
No visit is complete without...
No visit is complete without…
... a stop at the Chocolate Museum!
… a stop at the Chocolate Museum!
In the lobby.
In the lobby.
Had a great cup of Uxmal Hot Chocolate!
Had a great cup of Uxmal Hot Chocolate!

So ends our overnight trip to 3 haciendas and the ruins at Z. A. Uxmal!

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That’s all for today!

The next blog, will likely be a potpourri of images and stories that haven’t made it into a blog so far!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #8 “Hacienda Uxmal!”

Welcome to our 8th Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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After lunch we continued our journey south to Uxmal… arriving at Hacienda Uxmal around 3PM.

Located in the woodlands of Yucatan’s Puuc County, Hacienda Uxmal, a modern hotel, lays amongst the grounds of a much older hacienda. It has attracted world leaders and European royalty ever since the hotel’s inauguration 50 years ago.

Past guests include Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Great Britain, the Shah of Iran, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, King Umberto II of Italy, Henry Kissinger, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India… and us!

Hacienda Uxmal
Hacienda Uxmal
The grand entrance to Hacienda Uxmal.
The grand entrance to Hacienda Uxmal.
The hall at the main entrance houses pictures of illustrious guests!
The hall at the main entrance houses pictures of illustrious guests!
Our room... number 202!
Our room… Number 202…
... has a wonderful veranda...
… has a wonderful veranda…
... and a view to the pool!
… and a view to the pool!

The first priority, after checking in, was to hit the pool!

Lots of pool chairs available, until the bus tour arrived!
Lots of pool chairs available, until the bus tour arrived!
Janine, proving it's better in the Yucatan!
Janine, proving it’s better in the Yucatan!
A view of our room from the pool!
A view of our room from the pool!
The clouds were beginning to gather.
The clouds were beginning to gather.

Before dinner, which another whole story that won’t be told here, we took a walk down the road to the Uxmal site, just to check it out!

Happy tenants of Hacienda Uxmal!
Happy tenants of Hacienda Uxmal!
At the entrance to Uxmal!
At the entrance to Z.A. Uxmal!
Beautiful ambiance by the pool at night!
Beautiful ambiance by the pool at night!

A few words about dining here … “Don’t let the waiters get you mixed up with Bus Tour folks and make you eat Bus Tour Buffet food!” ‘Nuf said!!!

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That’s all for today!

The next blog, if I can edit down from almost 80 pictures, will highlight our visit to the ruins at Z.A. Uxmal!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #7 “Hacienda Ochil!”

Welcome to our 7th Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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Continuing on our trip to visit Uxmal, we stopped for lunch at Hacienda San Pedro Ochil!

San Pedro Ochil is one of the seven former estates in the town of Abalá, “Place plums” region whose chronology goes back to pre-Hispanic times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological remains that are still preserved in the area.

Like most haciendas of Yucatán, San Pedro Ochil was built in the seventeenth century and was first cattle ranch, then corn before becoming henequenera when agave cultivation was consolidated at the beginning of the century.

We didn’t know what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised by both the hacienda itself, the great meal and a surprise!  After parking, we were led on foot past some building that housed artisans…

One of the artisan shops.
One of the artisan shops.

… and along a small gauge train track that had been once used for moving the agave leaves in for processing. If you ask, they’ll let you hop onto the small train and take you through the gates to the restaurant.

The train tracks coming through one of the many arches.
The train tracks coming through one of the many arches.
Heading down the parade of palms to the restaurant.
Heading down the parade of palms to the restaurant.
Having a great Yucatecan style lunch!
Having a great Yucatecan style lunch!

After lunch, we walked around the grounds which had many pretty courtyards.

A courtyard fountain.
A courtyard fountain.
Beautiful archways with my beautiful Babe!
Beautiful archways with my beautiful Babe!

Then we passed through another archway and were dumbfounded!!!

An enormous amphitheatre that was totally unexpected.
An enormous amphitheatre that was totally unexpected…
... with a performing stage in the entrance to a cenote.
… with a performing stage in the entrance to a cenote.
Beautiful lighting just enhanced the aquamarine waters.
Beautiful lighting just enhanced the aquamarine waters.
What a delightful place!
What a delightful place!
The incredible tree just completed the vision!
The incredible tree just completed the vision!
"Friends, Romans, Countrymen; lend me your ears"!
“Friends, Romans, Countrymen; lend me your ears”!

Once we tore ourselves away, we toured the rest of the grounds!

The architecture is amazing everywhere you look!
The architecture is amazing everywhere you look!
The henequene machine room.
The henequene machine room.
Elaine's new friend!
Elaine’s new friend!
Looks to me like an Ent sat down for a rest!
Looks to me like an Ent sat down for a rest!
Back down the parade of palms to the parking lot.
Back down the parade of palms to the parking lot.

What a wonderful place to spend a quiet lunch and be amazed!

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That’s all for today!

The next blog will highlight our visit to Hacienda Uxmal where we spent the night!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #6 “Hacienda Yaxcopoil!”

Welcome to our 6th Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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This is the first of 3 blogs about Haciendas that we’ve visited on our way to spend an overnight and visit Z.A. Uxmal.  We stopped at Hacienda Yaxcopoil on our way south of Merida.

Hacienda Yaxcopoil (YASH-coh-poh-EEL) dates back to the 17th century. The name Yaxcopoil means “the place of the green alamo trees” in the Yucatec Maya language, one of which still stands in front of the hacienda. The Hacienda represents the history of three great periods in the Yucatán Peninsula: the pre-Columbian period (there are ruins nearby), the Spanish colonial period, and the boom years of henequen cultivation during the late 19th and early 20th century.

The moorish style of entrance gate is unique in this area.
The moorish style of entrance gate is unique in this area.
The path under the Alamo tree leads to the entrance.
The path under the Alamo tree leads to the entrance.
The main living areas all are aligned across the front of the buidling.
The main living areas all are aligned across the front of the building.
A glimpse of the henequen processing buildings
A glimpse of the henequen processing buildings.
A view from the terrace back through the main house to the entrance.
A view from the terrace back through the main house.
The style of the structure is wonderful.
The style of the structure is wonderful.
The archways separate the main courtyard from the veranda areas.
The archways separate the main courtyard from the veranda areas.
Colourful tiles everywhere!
Colourful tiles everywhere!
Flora...
Flora…
... and fauna abound.
… and fauna abound.
The central courtyard
The central courtyard
A great place to take a break!
A great place to take a break!
This tree is in the horse paddock and the horses keep the vines trimmed.
This tree is in the horse paddock and the horses keep the vines trimmed.
Another al fresco dining area.
Another al fresco dining area.
What a terrific tree shading the town square.
What a terrific tree shading the town square.
One of the main equipment areas.
One of the main equipment areas… note the tiled floor!
The workers building
The workers building
The smoke stack is still standing!
The smoke stack is still standing!
Another equipment room.
Another equipment room.
We really enjoyed revisiting this hacienda.
We really enjoyed revisiting this hacienda…
... with Doug and Janine.
… with Doug and Janine.
What a great place to visit!
What a great place to visit!

 

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That’s all for today!

The next blog will highlight our visit to Hacienda Ochil for lunch!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #5 “Dzibilchaltún!”

Welcome to our 5th Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

mayan-glyphs

 

After a return trip to Dzitya for Doug and Janine to pick up a few souvenirs for back home, we drove over to Dzibilchaltún to visit the mayan ruins and museum there.

At the entrance to Z.A. Dzibilchaltún
At the entrance to Z.A. Dzibilchaltún
Had an enjoyable lunch in the restaurant on site.
Had an enjoyable lunch in the restaurant on site.
Heading for the museum
Heading for the museum
Many interesting statues have been displayed outside the musem.
Many interesting statues have been displayed outside the musem.
First glimpse of the Temple of the Dolls.
First glimpse of the Temple of the Dolls.
My favourite view of the temple.
My favourite view of the temple.
It is aligned for the sunrise and sunset at the equinoxes.
It is aligned for the sunrise and sunset at the equinoxes.
Some of the detailed work on the exterior.
Some of the detailed work on the exterior.
Heading back to the Sacbe (white road) to walk to the cenote.
Heading back to the Sacbe (white road) to walk to the cenote.
Doug & Janine at the stele on the Sacbe.
Doug & Janine at the stele on the Sacbe.
Looking back along the Sacbe to the Temple.
Looking back along the Sacbe to the Temple.
Catching a view from one of the climbable temples.
Catching a view from one of the climbable temples.
Part of the main auditorium area.
Part of the main auditorium area.
At Cenote Xlakah
At Cenote Xlakah
The water was clean, clear and warm.
The water was clean, clear and warm.
We weren't alone, but it certainly wasn't overcrowded.
We weren’t alone, but it certainly wasn’t overcrowded.
What a great way to cool off after the hot walk.
What a great way to cool off after the hot walk.
At the main entrance, change rooms and shopping area.
At the main entrance, change rooms and shopping area.

 

On our way back home, we took a short detour from the main road to drive through Chicxulub Pueblo.

Just loved this tree in the square!
Just loved this tree in the square!

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That’s all for today!

The next few blogs will highlight our visit to ‘Tres Haciendas’!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #4 “Merida House Tour!”

Welcome to our 4th Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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This blog highlights the recent House Tour that we took in downtown Merida.  Each Wednesday morning, from November to March, a local Ex-pat leads as many people as who show up through three houses of those on a list of about twenty houses who are signed up.  Each week is a new set of houses, so you never know what you’ll be seeing that day.

All those who are interested meet in the LA68 building at the corner of Calle 68 and 55 in Centro.

LA 68, our meeting spot for the Merida House Tour!
LA 68, our meeting spot for the Merida House Tour!

 

Then we walked about 6-8 blocks to the first house, which is still undergoing renovations.  The rooms at the front of the house and the kitchen will be the last to be completed, but the pool area and the bedrooms are fully updated.

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The front of our 1st house.

 

 

Our guide discussing the Colonial era in Merida!
Our guide discussing the Colonial era in Merida!

 

 

An example of the beautiful tile floors
An example of the beautiful tile floors
Many of the rooms had beautiful ornamentation!
Many of the rooms had real French influence
One of the beautiful rooms!
A peak into one of the beautiful rooms
The pool area
The pool area
One of the gorgeous bathrooms
One of the gorgeous bathrooms
Elaine and Janine coming from the far bedrooms.
Elaine and Janine coming from the poolside bedrooms

 

After about 20 minutes to tour, our guide rounded us up and lead us to the next house.  This house was fully renovated and had a beautiful garden and pool area.

Our 2nd house
Our 2nd house
The front hall
The front hall
The dining room overlooking the gorgeous backyard
The dining room overlooking the gorgeous backyard
Peeking into the kitchen
Peeking into the kitchen
One of the bedrooms
One of the bedrooms
Their lap pool
Their lap pool
Interesting flora everywhere!
Interesting flora everywhere!
You'd never know you were in downtown Merida!
You’d never know you were in downtown Merida!
Appreciative tour guests!
Appreciative tour guests!

 

Our guide then led us ‘just around the corner’ for about another 6 blocks to the next and final house.  This house had maintained a more traditional look to the walls and floors, but was very beautiful!

Our 3rd and final house on the tour
Our 3rd and final house on the tour
Doug & Doug & New Friend
Doug & Doug & New Friend
Beautifully trimmed windows!
Beautifully trimmed windows!
Hand painted faux wallpaper in the drawing room
Hand painted faux wallpaper in the drawing room
The kitchen
The kitchen
Peeking through the courtyard to the rest of the house
Peeking through the courtyard to the rest of the house
The interior courtyard
The interior courtyard
... more of the courtyard
… more of the courtyard
The pool area
The pool area
The master bedroom
The master bedroom
The Master Bath
The Master Bath
Really enjoying the pool area!
Really enjoying the pool area!
Proof all four of us were there!
Proof all four of us were there!

 

After our great tour, we walked a few blocks and had a great lunch at a local restaurant called Oliva!

Restaurante Oliva at the corner of Calle 49 y 56
Restaurante Oliva at the corner of Calle 49 y 56
A yummy lunch was had by all!
A yummy lunch was had by all!

 

One could spend an entire day poking around Centro to find interesting places to see and take photos of!

A very interesting door!
A very interesting door!
... and it's For Sale!
… and it’s For Sale!

We passed through Santa Lucia Park on our way back to the car… what a great place it is!

Santa Lucia Park at corner of Calle 60 y 55
Santa Lucia Park at corner of Calle 60 y 55
Never met a DQ he didn't like!
Never met a DQ he didn’t like!
Don't miss the Tequilla Factory ...
Don’t miss the Tequilla Factory …
... we'll take one of those and one of those!
… we’ll take one of those and one of those!

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That’s all for today!

The next few blogs will highlight some of our Mayan adventures!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #3 “First Visitors!”

Welcome to our 3rd Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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January 22nd we welcomed Doug and Janine MacDonald back to Uaymitun; escaping from bone-chilling, snowy Parry Sound, ON.

Doug & Janine at Merida Airport!
Doug & Janine at Merida Airport!

After having a brief walkabout the beach house and patio, we sort of settled into the kitchen to talk… only to find we had a visitor!

A rather large Wolf Spider!
A rather large Wolf Spider!

While we haven’t seen the next visitor for a few days now, we did make a new friend on the beach!

Zelda!
Zelda!

We enjoyed some local travelling…

A favourite watering hole, Henequene's!
A favourite watering hole, Henequene’s!
Searching for special wood and stonecraft in Dzitya!
Searching for special wood and stonecraft in Dzitya!
In the Dzitya town square!
In the Dzitya town square…
... and the Circus had come to town!
… and the Circus had come to town!

After a busy touring day, there’s nothing like enjoying a refreshing beverage on the beach at sunset!

Elaine, Janine and Doug watching the sun slowly set...
Elaine, Janine and Doug watching the sun slowly set…
... soon to be joined by Val and George!
… soon to be joined by Val and George!
Tada!
Tada!

The next day was again sunny and warm enough to take a dip in the Gulf and our pool!

A cruise ship day in Progreso!
A cruise ship day in Progreso!
Doug demonstrating that one can enjoy the pool in January!
Doug demonstrating that one can enjoy the pool in January!

 

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That’s all for today!

The next few blogs will highlight some of our travels!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #2 “Settling In!”

Welcome to our 2nd Blog from our Uaymitun 2015 winter!

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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Morning is a special time here… usually the winds are calm and warm; unless we have an El Norte blowing!

Sunrise over Casa Bora Bora!
Sunrise over Casa Bora Bora!
Enjoying the front patio of our beach house!
Enjoying the front patio of our beach house!

This winter we’ve tried to include a morning walk along our road, so here’s some of the vistas and homes along the way…

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Casa Uaymarima!
The marshlands near Km 19.
The marshlands near Km 19.
The wetlands at the Flamingo Viewing Station.
The wetlands at the Flamingo Viewing Station.

The weather has been very nice, with a few El Norte days/nights thrown in!  I’ve made it into the pool and the gulf several times.

Lovin' the pool!
Lovin’ the pool…
... but the Gulf is frequently warmer!
… but the Gulf is frequently warmer!

During low tide, the closest sandbar is exposed!

A view of our house from the sandbar!
A view of our house from the sandbar!
Next door neighbours, Ray and Pam, enjoying the sandbar!
Next door neighbours, Ray and Pam, enjoying the sandbar!

 

We’ve been into Chicxulub and Progreso a few times and went for lunch in the next town east of us, Telchac Puerto.

The newly painted Mercado in Progreso
The newly painted Mercado in Progreso
Fish & Chip night at the Casa del Faro
Fish & Chip night at the Casa del Faro with Pete, Elaine, Jeanette, Diane and Dave!
At La Picuda in Telchac Puerto
With George and Val at La Picuda in Telchac Puerto…
... for garlic shrimp!
… for garlic shrimp!
Telchac Puerto square
Telchac Puerto square
Telchac Puerto pier
Telchac Puerto pier

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That’s all for today!

Doug & Janine have arrived … watch this space for our next Blog Post!

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine

Uaymitun 2015-Blog Post #1 “Back Again!!”

Welcome to our Uaymitun 2015 Blog!  We will be in our little paradise until the last week of March this year.  A few folks will be joining us from time to time and we hope to visit some new spots too.  I’ll snatch myself away from the view long enough to post the occasional blog! 🙂

Cheers from Uaymitun, MX!

-doug and elaine

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Our journey started just as another Polar Vortex descended into the Sarnia area… our son-in-law, Matt, drove us to the Embassy Suites by the Detroit airport on the afternoon of Jan 6th.

Elaine and Matt... notice the beach attire!
Elaine and Matt… notice the beach attire!

The hotel was very nice and we enjoyed a quiet drink by the fire before dinner!

A great way to ease into our journey!
A great way to ease into our journey!

 

We flew out of Detroit the next morning, but not before enjoyed a nice Mamosa at TGIF’s in the airport!

A Mamosa cheer to all!
10:30 isn’t too early, is it?

 

Our flight was on time, but George and Val had a terrible time getting out of Kelowna and an even worse time getting out of Calgary to Houston!  They missed their connecting flight into Merida and had to overnight at a Houston airport hotel.

We met up with them on the concourse and had some food and beverages before our flight into Merida!

Cheers that they made it this far!
Cheers that they made it this far!

 

At the Merida airport, we were all lucky to get a GREEN light at Customs. A local entrepreneur, Pedro, picked us all up and drove us to Uaymitun!

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January 8th, our first day in our Beach House, Uaymarima, and our 43rd wedding anniversary!

A bit windy... but who cares?
A bit windy… but who cares?

 

 

 

This makes it official... we have arrived!
This makes it official… we have arrived!

Some new things for this year…

Our car!
Our new rental car; very sporty!
Our new fridge/freezer... very nice!
Our new fridge/freezer… very nice!

A few of unexpected minor problems in the house and the late delivery of our car meant that we had to postpone our anniversary dinner plans until the next night!

Friday morning, we drove into Merida and met with Gaby, our beach house owner, at Costco!  We were too early for a Kirkland dog though! 🙁

At Costo in Merida!
At Costo in Merida!

That evening, Val & George joined us at Xcanatun to celebrate our 43rd Anniversary!

Special dessert!
Special dessert!

The next day, we went to the Gran Plaza so I could get my iPhone cell chip and Val replaced her power adapter.  Then onto the City Center Mall to Walmart and some lunch and, of course, beverages! 🙂

Great spot for lunch!
Great spot for lunch!
Cheers!
Cheers!

 

I was nice to visit Chicxulub again…

The village square
The village square
Our favourite helado store!
Our favourite helado store!
On the pier!
On the pier!
Our local hairdresser, Gaby!
Our local hairdresser, Gaby!
Getting a trim!
Getting a trim!

This morning, we had a light fog…

Foggy sunrise in Uaymitun!
Foggy sunrise in Uaymitun!
A Fogbow?
A Fogbow?
Our first dolphins!
Our first dolphins!

That’s it for my first blog… stay tuned!

mayan-glyphs

Cheers!

Love to all,

-doug and elaine